5 Data Visualization techniques that you should

start using now

Used as a graphical representation of data and information, data visualization is
an industry standard mode used in business intelligence (or BI) to present any
business-related data or information.
 In the digital age of big data, data visualization is a critical tool
required to derive business insight from the billions and trillions of
business data being generated daily
Here are 5 of the best techniques for data visualization in
2018 that you must use to make your business data more
relevant and effective.
 1. Know you
audience
Data visualization is not just about
data but also about the audience or
user who will be presented with the
data. Does the visualized data cater
to their needs and IT skills?
Remember that many users,
including business entrepreneurs, are
unable to derive much meaningful
insights just by looking at any chart
or pie.
Make your dashboard presentation
user-specific instead of catering to
the needs of multiple stakeholders.
For meaningful actions, include the
KPIs that are the most strategic for
your business (for example, a
significant drop (or trend) in market
share) in your visualized data.
 2. Context is
critical
Define the context (or purpose) of
your data visualization clearly
before design. What is the purpose
of the data visuals? What decision-
making process can be influenced
with this visualization? Data
visualization must be designed to
align your users (or audience) with
a business objective (or goal) that
can empower their decision making
and propel them towards an action.
 3. Use the right visuals

After determining your right audience and purpose of visuals, it’s a good time to
select the right visuals or chart types, depending on what you want to show visually.
 4. Use the right colors
Data visualization uses a mix of colors to display the
difference between elements and to increase its overall
effectiveness. Use of standard colors is recommended for
easier distinguishing of individual elements. Color-shaded
charts and maps are also useful in conveying information.
However, do not use too many different colors (not more
than 10) and also maintain consistency in the choice of
your colors across your visualization model.
 5. Interactive maps

Interactive maps are an effective technique in data visualization that allows you to make your
visual data more interactive with users. Interactive maps can enable users to drill down a
specific element, get a 360-degree view of the information, and much more.
 While data
visualization can
make your data
analytics more
appealing for users, it
is also important to
choose the
visualization
technique that works
for your users and
purpose. This article
outlines 5 basic
techniques that can
improve the overall
effectiveness of your
data visualization
model.
Grow your business with
countants